Refractory anchor system

ABSTRACT

A Y-shaped refractory anchor, a plurality of Y-shaped refractory anchors, and a method of installing a plurality of Y-shaped refractory anchors in a hexagonal pattern is disclosed. The Y-shaped refractory anchor comprises a singular rectangular folded metal plate comprising a stem that comprises at least one tapered triangular section to be welded to a backing surface and a folded stem base and a branch section comprising two branches, wherein the singular metal plate is folded together at the stem base, such that the stem of the Y-shaped anchor is twice as thick as the two individual branches.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/514,724 “Refractory Anchor System,” filed on Jun. 2, 2017, whichis herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, and is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/975,802 “Refractory AnchorSystem,” filed on May 10, 2018, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Refractory anchors and related materials are used for anchoring andassembling refractory materials, including refractory ceramic fiberlinings or for reinforcing monolithic linings of castables, plastics orramming mixes. Anchors and anchor systems are generally affixed orwelded, to a backing surface or plate, such as a wall or surface of avessel or other piece of equipment, and are used to hold refractorymaterial.

Refractory anchors are typically welded to a metal surface. Anchors maybe made of steel or any other suitable metallic material or alloy.Anchors may form a pattern on the backing material. The patterns areimportant to uniformly hold refractory material in place and for heattransfer. Once the anchors are in place, refractory material may beapplied or installed in any suitable manner.

Refractory anchors are found in many shapes including, studs, V-clips,C-clips, and miscellaneous parts.

One commonly used hexagonal anchor system is hexagonal cells, or simply,hex cells, as they are referred to in the industry. Hex cells arespecified for newly fabricated parts in a shop environment. They areused extensively for field relines and maintenance. Each individual hexcell is independently anchored, meaning that it is independently affixedto a backing material, usually by welding, such as stick welding.

Examples of conventional anchors and systems include those described inthe following patented anchors and anchor systems. Simon et al. (U.S.Pat. No. 9,861,949 B2) discloses a process for producing an anti-erosioncoating on an inner or outer metal wall of a chamber of a fluidcatalytic cracking unit, comprising the shaping of a honeycomb metalanchoring structure. Duhon (U.S. Pat. No. 8,656,679 B1) discloses aninterconnectable refractory anchor for receiving refractory liningmaterial. Hyde et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,178,299 B2) discloses tilescomposed of a plurality of anchors. Lanclos (U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,789 B1)discloses an anchor made by combining two similar sections that areclinched together to form an elongated X-shape. Chen et al. (U.S. Pat.No. 4,711,186 A) discloses an anchor used to retain thin refractorylinings. Nishikawa (U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,487 A) discloses awear-resistant refractory lining anchor and interconnected system.

Examples of conventional commercially available anchors and systemsinclude those available from Kalpataru Metal & Alloys (India), HebeiFeirui Trade Co., Ltd. (China), and Granden Hex Steel Company (US).

Garot (U.S. Pat. No. 9,279,245 B2) and Garot et al. (US PatentPublication No. US 2016/0047124) describe anchoring assemblies. TheGarot et al. Publication describes an anchoring assembly comprising aplurality of spaced anchor fins connected to an elongated mounting pinthat extends radially outward relative to the pin.

Anchor systems of the prior art include large sheets of honeycombedseries of integral hexagonal metal anchors, known as hex mesh. Thesesheets have to be rolled by mechanical rolling equipment, cut to sizeand shape and then installed. Typically, these prior art systems arecumbersome to fabricate, roll and install. The prior art systems arebulky and difficult to cut and shape into curved or nonuniformgeometries.

There is a need for a refractory anchor system that is designed as asingle equilateral leg fabricated steel Y-shaped anchor that can beinstalled to create a hexagonal pattern that requires only a single,easy and repeatable weld in its installation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, a folded rectangular metal plate is formedinto a Y-shaped anchor to be affixed to a metal surface. The metal plateis folded at the base of the stem of the Y-shape, making it twice asthick in the stem of the Y as it is in the branches of the Y-shape. Thestem of the Y comprises at least one triangular section to be welded tothe metal surface, preferably stud welded. The branches of the Y-shapeare not welded and each branch may have one or more voids (holes) andtabs (fins). The voids and tabs help the refractory material adhere tothe anchor and thus the metal surface. Each individually folded metalplate Y-shaped anchor may be installed into a series of similar Y-shapedanchors that form a hexagonal pattern on the metal surface.

A Y-shaped anchor may comprise a singular rectangular folded metal platecomprising a stem to be welded to a backing surface along a flat backedge of the stem and a branch section comprising two individualbranches, wherein the two individual branches create an obtuse angle andwherein the two individual branches each have a flat back edge, whereinthe singular metal plate is folded together at the stem base, such thatthe stem is twice as thick as the two individual branches, wherein thestem has at least one tapered triangular section located on the backedge to be welded to the backing surface, wherein the at least onetapered triangular section has a thickness designed to create a gap ofup to about 0.15 inches in between the back flat edge of the twoindividual branches and the backing surface upon welding the Y-shapedanchor to the backing surface, and wherein the at least one taperedtriangular section and a notch in between the at least one taperedtriangular section and the two individual branches are designed toengage a ceramic ferrule.

The present invention also comprises a combination of the Y-shapedanchor and a ceramic ferrule.

The present invention also comprises a process of installing a pluralityof Y-shaped anchors onto a backing surface.

The dimensions of the folded metal plate and the series of Y-shapedanchors placed into a hexagonal pattern are depicted in the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a series of Y-shaped anchors placed into a hexagonalpattern.

FIG. 2 shows a series of Y-shaped anchors placed into a hexagonalpattern.

FIG. 3A-3E shows details of a folded metal plate forming a Y-shapedanchor.

FIG. 4A-4E shows details of a folded metal plate forming a Y-shapedanchor.

FIG. 5 shows a metal plate before it is folded into a Y-shaped anchor.

FIG. 6 shows a metal plate before it is folded into a Y-shaped anchor.

FIG. 7A-7E shows the ceramic ferrule used in installing anchorsaccording to one process of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an installed series of Y-shaped anchors placed into ahexagonal pattern.

FIG. 9 shows an installed series of Y-shaped anchors placed into ahexagonal pattern.

FIG. 10 shows an installed series of Y-shaped anchors placed into ahexagonal pattern.

FIG. 11 shows an installed series of Y-shaped anchors placed into ahexagonal pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention, a metal plate is folded to form aY-shaped anchor.

In one embodiment of the invention, the Y-shaped anchors create analternative hexagonal system. The “alternative” refers to anotheralternative from fully formed steel hexagonal sheets of the prior art.

In one embodiment of the invention, a pattern of Y-shaped anchorscreates a deconstructed hexagonal system. The “deconstructed” means thatthe hexagonal shape has been reduced to its constituent parts in orderto reinterpret it. The hexagonal shapes are formed from individualanchors as compared to fully formed steel hexagonal sheets of the priorart.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stem of the Y is welded to thebacking material or the side of a vessel or piece of equipment. In thisembodiment, the branches of the Y are not welded. One method of weldingis stud welding.

In the present invention, failure of one weld does not affect the entiresystem.

In the present invention, cumbersome sheets of metal hexagonal shapes donot need to be welded into place.

In the present invention, cumbersome sheets of anchor systems do notneed to be rolled or cut to fit onto a specific geometry or surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a folded metal plate isformed into a Y-shaped anchor to be affixed to a metal surface. Themetal plate is folded at the base of the stem of the Y-shape, making ittwice as thick in the stem of the Y as it is in the branches of theY-shape. The stem of the Y comprises at least one section to be weldedto the metal surface, preferably stud welded. The section to be weldedis also called a foot. The foot has two tapered edges and a flattenededge to be welded to a backing surface. The branches of the Y-shape arenot welded and each branch has a single void (hole) and a single tab(fin). The voids and tabs help the refractory material adhere to theanchor and thus the metal surface. Each individually folded metal plateY-shaped anchor may be placed into a series of similar Y-shaped anchorsthat form a hexagonal pattern on the metal surface. The backing surfacemay be the inside of a fluid catalytic cracking unit or other suitableunit known in the art.

FIG. 1 shows a series of Y-shaped anchors placed into a hexagonalpattern. A plurality of Y-shaped anchors 1 are installed equidistantapart in a row. A second plurality of Y-shaped anchors 1 are installedequidistant apart in a second row. The rows of Y-shaped anchors 1 areinstalled so that they are staggered forming the suggested hexagonalpattern. The Y-shaped anchor 1 includes the branches 4 of the Y and thestem 5 of the Y. Each branch 4 may have a single void (hole) and asingle tab (fin) 3. Multiple holes and fins create additional surfacearea in which to engage the refractory material. The stem 5 has base 9.In FIG. 1 , the stem 5 has a single foot 6 that is welded. The branches4 of the Y-shaped anchor 1 are not welded.

The Y-shaped anchor of the present invention is Y-shaped before weldingor installation. The Y-shaped anchor of the present invention is alsoY-shaped after welding onto the backing surface. The Y-shaped anchor 1is welded at the foot 6 so that the Y-shape is still visible on thebacking surface once the Y-shaped anchor is attached to the backingsurface. The orientation of the Y-shaped anchors along the backingsurface of the unit to be lined with refractory is important to make thehexagonal pattern as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The branches of theY-shaped anchor lay along (parallel to) the surface of the backingsurface. In other words, the Y-shaped anchor 1 is not attached to thebacking surface so that the branches extend into the empty space of theunit away from (perpendicular to) the backing surface.

FIG. 2 shows a series of Y-shaped anchors placed into a hexagonalpattern. Like FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 shows the staggering of the rows of Yanchors 2 forming the hexagonal pattern. The Y-shaped anchor 2 includesthe branches 4 of the Y and the stem 5 of the Y. In FIG. 2 , each branch4 of the Y anchor 2 has a single void (hole) and a single tab (fin) 3.FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the Y anchors 2 that have two feet 6 inthe stem 5. The stem 5 has base 9. The branches 4 of the Y-shaped anchor2 are not welded.

The Y-shape anchors are repeatedly installed along the backing materialor surface in a row. See FIGS. 1 and 2 as examples. For the second row,underneath the first row, the Y-shaped anchors are offset, and areplaced in between, directly in the middle of, the Y-shaped anchors ofthe first row. The resulting pattern results in the two rows of Y-shapedanchors forming multiple hexagonal shapes on the backing material.

The Y-shaped anchors may not directly touch each other to form a closedhexagon.

In one embodiment of the invention, the hexagons are merely suggested bythe offset rows of Y-shaped anchors. In one embodiment of the invention,the Y-shaped anchors are spaced apart from each other as depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2 .

In one embodiment of the invention, there about 33 Y-shaped anchors persquare foot of the backing material.

In one embodiment of the invention, the Y anchors 1 or 2 are spacedabout 2.25 inches apart, measuring from the base 9 of stem 5 to base 9of stem 5 along the same row.

In one embodiment of the invention, the Y anchors 1 or 2 are spacedabout 1.75 inches apart, measuring from the base 9 of stem 5 to base 9stem 5 from one row to another.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stem 5 is about 0.9 inches inlength.

In one embodiment of the invention, the branches 4 are about one inch inlength.

In one embodiment of the invention, the Y anchor 1 or 2 is about 0.75inches deep after installation. In another embodiment, the Y anchor 1 or2 is about 1 inch deep after installation. The depth of the Y anchor 1or 2 is designed for the industry standards for thickness of erosionresistant linings.

The offset staggered layout of the Y-shaped anchors shown in FIGS. 1 and2 afford maximum uniform distribution of the refractory, with minimalareas of proximate refractory anchors, and thus maximum refractory areacoverage.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the dimensions of the foldedmetal plate Y-shaped anchor 1 or 2 provide optimal support of a one-inchlayer of refractory, a common thickness of refractory application. Thedimensions illustrated in some of the Figures are used with 1″ layer ofrefractory. Additionally, a layer of ¾″ refractory may be suitable forcertain refractory applications. The dimensions illustrated in some ofthe Figures can be easily adjusted to be used with ¾″ layer ofrefractory or other known or used thicknesses.

FIG. 3A-3E shows details of a folded metal plate forming a Y-shapedanchor.

FIG. 3A is a side view of the Y-shaped anchor 1. FIG. 3B is the top viewof the Y-shaped anchor 1. FIG. 3C is the other side view of the Y-shapedanchor 1. FIGS. 3D-3E are 3-dimensional perspective drawings of Y-shapedanchor 1.

The Y-shaped anchor 1 preferably has 120 degree angles between the stemand branch and in between the two branches. See FIG. 3B. The stem 5 ofthe Y is preferably about ⅞ of an inch long and the length of eachbranch 4 is preferably one inch. The triangular section 6 of the stem tobe welded is preferably 12 gauge.

Each branch 4 of the angled metal plates has an anchorage hole or void 7as shown in FIG. 3 . Additionally, each branch 4 of the angled metalplate has an anchorage tab or lance or fin 3. The voids 7 shown in FIG.3 are about 0.25 inch long. Both of the anchorage fins 3 point in thesame horizontal direction. The voids 7 and fins 3 create additionalsurface area for which to hold the refractory material in place. Thevoid is created in each angled metal plate by punching out the fins,such as by punch pressing. It is noted that all anchorage fins andanchorage voids may be formed by any comparable method of formation,including casting, cutting, and other methods known in the art.

The stem 5 of the Y anchor is to be welded to the backing surface, suchas by stud welding. The stem 5 of the folded metal plate has atriangular section 6 that is to be welded to the backing surface, alsoknown as the foot 6. The tip of the triangular section 6 has flattenededge 60. The edge 60 that is sheered down to create slighted taperededges 61. The relative scale and angles of these edges 60 and 61 can beseen in FIG. 3 . The sheering of the edges 61 makes the foot 6 have asuggested triangular shape along the edges 60 and 61. The flattened edge60 is pressed and welded into the backing plate or metal surface. Thestud gun holds the Y-shaped anchor in place. With the tip of thetriangular flattened edge 60 pressed against the backing plate, the studgun releases an electric charge that melts the triangular tip of thefoot 6 (the edges 60 and 61) forming the weld joint between the anchorand the backing plate or metal surface. Current, voltage, and timing ofthe stud gun and its settings are known in the art and are adjustableaccordingly.

The triangular section 6 to be welded is tapered down to maximize metalarc flow in the stud welding process. The Y-shaped anchor is clampedinto a stud welding chuck, and then welded on a cleaned area of thesurface to be protected.

Stud welding is generally known in the industry as a simple, not highlyskilled weld. Therefore, by utilizing stud welding, the process ofinstalling multiple Y anchors is repeatable and predictable.

The folded Y-shaped anchor 1 shown in FIG. 3 also has a notch 8 thatseparates the stem 5 of the Y with the two individual branches 4. Thisnotch 8 may be seen in each of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D.

The Y-shaped anchor is folded at the base 9 of the stem. This base 9 ofthe stem is at the midpoint of the length of the metal plate. The base 9of the stem is not to be affixed to the backing surface. Instead, thewelding is along edge 60 of the foot 6.

FIG. 4A-4E shows details of a folded metal plate forming a Y-shapedanchor. Similar to FIGS. 3A-4E, FIGS. 4A-4E shows a Y-shaped anchor 2according to an embodiment of the invention. The Y-shaped anchor 2 ofFIG. 4 has two triangular sections 6 to be welded. FIG. 4A is a sideview of the Y-shaped anchor 2. FIG. 4B is the top view of the Y-shapedanchor 2. FIG. 4C is the other side view of the Y-shaped anchor 2. FIGS.4D-4E are 3-dimensional perspective drawings of Y-shaped anchor 2.

FIG. 4 shows a Y-shaped anchor 2 with a stem 5, notch 8, and twobranches 4, with the branches 4 having fins 3, and voids 7. Thedimensions of the Y-shaped anchor 2 are similar to the dimensions of theY-shaped anchor 1 of FIG. 3 .

Some applications may desire two triangular sections 6 to be welded inthe Y-shaped anchor 2. The actual foot or portion of the anchor welded 6is double the thickness in Y anchor 2 than in Y anchor 1. The two feet 6provides a more robust weld as the amount of material welded together isincreased twofold. However, the welding of the Y-shaped anchor 2requires twice the power in the welding equipment. Some applications maydesire only the singular triangular section 6 to be welded as discussedin FIG. 3 . Practically speaking, having the Y-shaped anchor that haseither one or two feet 6, allows for variations in the installationdepending on equipment and desired strength of weld. For example, asingle foot 6 in the Y-shaped anchor 1 may require about 700 amps perweld. In a double foot 6 Y-shaped anchor 2, about 1400 amps may beneeded for each weld.

FIG. 5 shows a metal plate before it is folded into a Y-shaped anchor.FIG. 5 illustrates the Y-shaped anchor 1 having one triangular section,the foot 6.

The relative dimensions of the metal plate to be folded into theY-shaped anchor are depicted in the scale drawings. Specifically, asshown in FIG. 5 . The notch 8 is seen at the two outer bend lines 10depicted in FIG. 5 .

First, the metal plate of the present invention is formed from anysuitable casting or fabrication process. The two ends of the metal platemay be punch pressed to create the fins and voids. The fins on thebranches of the Y-shaped anchor may be punched so that they point in thesame direction. Next, the metal plate is folded into the Y-shape,utilizing the bend line 90 depicted in FIG. 5 . Then the folded metalplate is held in the middle (the stem of the Y) and the two branches 4of the Y are spread apart to a 120 degree angle to form the Y-shapedanchor 1. The two bend lines 10 show where the branches 4 are to begin.The fins and voids may be punched or stamped into the Y branches 4before or after the metal plate is folded.

There are three bend lines depicted in FIG. 5 . The metal plate isfolded at its midpoint, which is the middle 90 of the three bend linesdepicted in FIG. 3 . The stem of the Y-shape thus extends from the firstof the bend lines 10 to the third of the bend lines 10 depicted in FIG.5 . The triangular shaped section 6 of the stem to be welded is depictedin detail in FIG. 5 . There are also notches 8 in the metal plate whichreceive a ceramic ferrule.

The Y-shaped anchor 1 is not affixed to the backing surface at stem base9 along the folding line 90. Instead, it is affixed to the backingsurface along line 60 depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5 .

The metal plate is folded together to form the stem of the Y-shape byany suitable method of fabricating steel known in the art. The forces ofthe fold keep the two sides of the stems in physical contact with eachother. Additionally, once folded, the two parts of the stem may beaffixed together by welding, crimping, coupling, such as by a fullpenetration weld.

FIG. 6 shows a metal plate before it is folded into a Y-shaped anchor.Compared to FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 shows the metal plate before it is foldedinto a Y-shaped anchor 2, which has two feet 6 to be welded. FIG. 6shows the center fold line 90, where the metal plate is folded in half.The two bend lines 10 show where the branches 4 are to begin. The twobranches 4 of the Y are spread apart to a 120 degree angle to form theY-shaped anchor 2 at bend lines 10. Also visible in FIG. 6 are thenotches 8 which will receive the ceramic ferrule shown in FIG. 7 . Thebeginnings of the fins 3 of the branches 4 of the Y-shaped anchor 2 arealso visible in FIG. 6 . The fins 3 will be punched out before or afterthe folding along folding line 90.

The Y-shaped anchor 2 is not affixed to the backing surface at stem base9 along the folding line 90. Instead, it is affixed to the backingsurface along line 60 depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6 .

FIGS. 7A-7E show the ceramic ferrule 11 used in installing anchorsaccording to one process of the present invention. FIG. 7A is the viewof the top surface of the ceramic ferrule 11. FIG. 7B is the side viewof the ceramic ferrule 11. FIG. 7C is the view of the bottom surface ofthe ceramic ferrule 11. FIG. 7D is a three-dimensional view of thebottom of the ceramic ferrule 11. FIG. 7E is a three-dimensional view ofthe top of the ceramic ferrule 11. The top surface of the ceramicferrule 11 receives the Y-shaped anchor. The bottom surface of theceramic ferrule 11 engages the backing surface to which the anchor isbeing applied.

Another embodiment of the present invention is the ceramic ferrule 11 ofFIG. 7 . As shown, it is cylindrical in shape and has a rectangular slot12 for receiving the triangular section of the anchor to be welded. Theceramic ferrule 11 is positioned around the anchor in the weldingprocess. It is positioned against the backing surface to which theanchor is being applied. This ceramic ferrule is disposable and meant tobe removed before refractory material is applied to the anchor system.

In one embodiment, the ceramic ferrule 11 has a perpendicularrectangular slot 13 on its bottom side. Rectangular slot 13 isperpendicular to the rectangular slot 12 for receiving the triangularsection 6 of the anchor to be welded. It is helpful in brining air tothe weld. Other variations in the ceramic ferrule are known in the artand are useful in the present invention. The top side of the ceramicferrule 11, as seen in FIGS. 7A and 7E may be smooth, porous, or mayhave additional grooving or other suitable texture.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a ceramic ferrule depictedin FIG. 7A7E is used in connection with the stud gun in installing theanchors. The ceramic ferrule fits around the Y-shaped anchor at thetriangular edge to be welded. The notch 8 that is on the edge of theY-shaped anchor 1 or 2 receives the ceramic ferrule. The dimensions ofthe ceramic ferrule may be the ones depicted in FIGS. 7A-7E and anysuitable variation as known in the art. The ceramic ferrules aredisposable. After the anchor is welded to the backing surface, it may beremoved, such as by hammering or otherwise physically breaking it offthe backing surface. Ferrules are generally removed before therefractory is applied.

FIG. 8 shows an installed series of Y-shaped anchors placed into ahexagonal pattern. FIG. 8 illustrates the Y-shaped anchor 1 having onefoot 6.

FIG. 9 shows an installed series of Y-shaped anchors placed into ahexagonal pattern. FIG. 9 illustrates the Y-shaped anchor 2 having twofeet 6.

Once the ferrule is removed, there is a gap created by the virtue of theweld between the Y-shaped anchor and the backing surface. This gap 14 isbest seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 . In a preferred embodiment, this gap isabout ⅛ of an inch. This ⅛ inch gap results from a portion of thetriangular section of the Y-shaped anchor being burned off in theprocess of welding. Because the depth of the Y-shaped anchor is about ⅞of an inch and the ⅛ gap 14, the system can hold about one inch ofrefractory material.

The anchor of the present invention may be welded on a clean brushedarea of the surface to be protected using standard welding techniquesknown in the art. Each refractory anchor is manually positioned suchthat the triangular section of the foot is in contact with the surfaceto be protected, and using a stud gun and ceramic ferrule, it is held inplace and then welded. One way to space the Y-shaped anchor in thispattern is to utilize a spacer to be attached to the stud gun. Anotherway to space the Y-shaped anchor is by manually measuring the distanceand marking the backing surface as known in the art.

FIG. 10 shows an installed series of Y-shaped anchors placed into ahexagonal pattern. FIG. 10 illustrates the Y-shaped anchor 1 having onefoot 6.

FIG. 11 shows an installed series of Y-shaped anchors placed into ahexagonal pattern. FIG. 11 illustrates the Y-shaped anchor 2 having twofeet 6.

Installing the anchors of the present invention among existing hexagonalanchoring systems 20 of the prior art is seen in FIGS. 10 and 11 . Thus,the system of the present invention may be retrofitted into existinghexagonal patterns of the prior art 20. The system of the presentinvention is useful in maintenance, repairs, and new construction.

The Y-shaped anchors may not touch each other during installationbecause of the stud welding process. Each individual Y-shaped anchorshould only be stud welded (come in contact with the electric charge ofthe stud gun) once. If one Y-shaped anchor is already affixed to thebacking surface and it is touching another Y-shaped anchor being welded,the second weld may affect the first Y-shaped anchor's weld/adherence tothe backing surface. Therefore, the spacing that is depicted in FIGS. 1and 2 ensures that the Y-shaped anchors only come in contact with a studgun stud once in the installation process.

In one embodiment of the invention, a series of Y-shaped anchors createthe multiple hexagonal shapes.

The hex anchor system of the present invention may be used in newconstruction or in maintenance and repairs. The hex anchor system of thepresent invention may be used in many different geometries. It can beaffixed to a flat or curved surface. It can be applied to corners. Itcan be fitted into existing areas such as seen in FIGS. 10 and 11 .

In one embodiment of the invention, the series of off-set Y-shapedanchors create uniform or near-uniform heat transfer.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folded metal plate isconstructed of 12-gauge type stainless steel. The stem of the Y-shapedanchor thus has twice the thickness of the branches of the Y. 14-gaugestainless steel may also be used.

The drawings are for illustration purposes only. The invention is notlimited to the exemplary dimensions depicted in the drawings. Otherdimensions and embodiments are herein included in the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A Y-shaped anchor comprising: a singularrectangular folded metal plate comprising a stem to be welded to abacking surface along a flat back edge of the stem and a branch sectioncomprising two individual branches, wherein the two individual branchescreate an obtuse angle and wherein the two individual branches each havea singular and continuous flat back edge, wherein the flat back edgesections are identical to each other, wherein the singular metal plateis folded together at the stem base, such that the stem is twice asthick as the two individual branches, wherein the stem has at least onetapered triangular section located on the back edge to be welded to thebacking surface, wherein the at least one tapered triangular section hasa thickness designed to create a gap of up to about 0.125 inches inbetween both of the flat back edges of the two individual branches andthe backing surface upon welding the Y-shaped anchor to the backingsurface, and wherein the at least one tapered triangular section and anotch in between the at least one tapered triangular section and the twoindividual branches are designed to engage a ceramic ferrule.
 2. TheY-shaped anchor of claim 1, wherein the two individual branches compriseone void and one tab each.
 3. The Y-shaped anchor of claim 1, whereinthe stem has two tapered triangular sections to be welded to a backingsurface.
 4. The Y-shaped anchor of claim 1, wherein the branches areeach about one inch in length.
 5. The Y-shaped anchor of claim 1,wherein the stem is about 0.9 inch in length.
 6. The Y-shaped anchor ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one tapered triangular section comprisestwo tapered edges and a flattened edge that is designed to contact thebacking surface.
 7. A combination of a Y-shaped anchor and a ceramicferrule, wherein the Y-shaped anchor comprises a singular rectangularfolded metal plate comprising a stem to be welded to a backing surfacealong a flat back edge of the stem and a branch section comprising twoindividual branches, wherein the two individual branches create anobtuse angle and wherein the two individual branches each have asingular and continuous flat back edge section, wherein the flat backedge sections are identical to each other, wherein the singular metalplate is folded together at the stem base, such that the stem is twiceas thick as the two individual branches, wherein the stem has at leastone tapered triangular section located on the back edge to be welded tothe backing surface, wherein the at least one tapered triangular sectionhas a thickness designed to create a gap of up to about 0.125 inches inbetween both of the flat back edge sections of the two individualbranches and the backing surface upon welding the Y-shaped anchor to thebacking surface, and wherein the at least one tapered triangular sectionand a notch in between the at least one tapered triangular section andthe two individual branches are designed to engage the ceramic ferrulewhich is cylindrical in shape and fits around the at least one taperedtriangular section.